Opinion: Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus Doesn’t Comment on Today’s Political Climate

“NOT MY AMERICA”. What do you think of when you read those words? Do you see it as a bold political statement against Nazi’s and the current political climate? Do you see it as a way for fans to rally against white supremacy or negative outlooks on the current state of our country? Or do you see it as a way to promote the games fictional 1960’s America, where the German’s had succeeded in their campaign to expand the German Empire, and serve as the most powerful regime in history?

Of course, if you’re a fan like I am, you already know that the upcoming game’s trailers statement stands just as firm as ever since the original titles launch of Castle Wolfenstein in 1981. The series has been well known for one simple thing: Killing Nazi’s. It’s always been known for killing Nazi’s since the origin of the series starts out with players taking on the Nazi regime in World War II, but has since changed with the franchises reboot in 2014.

In the game, alternate history has taken place. Japan successfully avoided waking the sleeping giant that is the United States and helped Germany take on Russian and European forces. In the franchises history, Germany won WWII, the control Europe, and even occupied the United States, while still battling oppositions in Africa.

But this newest trailer, stands as a bold statement, one that could quite possibly be taken on the dispelling of Nazi’s from the United States in our non-fictional world. The only correlations between the two? Nazi’s are marching through the streets of US cities in 2017 and there has been a strong anti-Nazi campaign by those whom stand against fascism as well as oppressive hate.

Unfortunately for pubisher Bethesda Softworks, they find themselves in hot water, but not by anyone, but those who feel attacked by the ad itself. According to Bethesda VP of Marketing and Public Relations, Pete Hines, has made the statement that the game doesn’t feel that it’s a reach for them to say that Nazi’s are bad, or even un-American, during an interview with GamesIndustry.biz.

Instead, Hines stated that they aren’t worried about being on the right side of history at all. While some could see this as troubling, many could see this as an attack towards President Trump, and even President Trump supporters due to the president’s slogan “Make America Great Again.” As stated, Bethesda Softworks used the slogan “#MakeAmericaNaziFreeAgain,” which has since been met with some hot criticism from those who feel that it’s pushing the agenda for the killing of Nazi’s and an advocacy for fans of the series to kill Trump supporters.

Truth is, it’s about neither. The series always has been and always will be about fighting against a fascist, oppressive, and lethal regime that truly once existed in all its hideous might and glory. Unfortunately, to some, it has been a rallying cry for them to stand up against Bethesda, MachineGames, and the Wolfenstein franchise.

Some going as far as suggesting that the game is calling Trump supporters Nazi’s and that they should be oppressed for such views, but even others coming to the games creative defense.

I'll have to disagree, its simply advertising, its impactful and meaningful, striking at patriotism, its doing its job well

Whether the trailer was meant to call out Trump supporters or not, Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus could very well prove to be one of this years most controversial games, and quite easily be seen as an attack on President Trump himself. However, Pete Hines has defended the games stance in one swift statement:

“At the time, none of us expected that the game would be seen as a comment on current issues, but here we are. Bethesda doesn’t develop games to make specific statements or incite political discussions. We make games that we think are fun, meaningful, and immersive for a mature audience. In ‘Wolfenstein’s’ case, it’s pure coincidence that Nazis are marching in the streets of America this year. And it’s disturbing that the game can be considered a controversial political statement at all.”

Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus is expected to launch on Oct. 27th, 2017 for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. Players will be returning some years later as B.J. Blazkowicz in the sequel to Wolfenstein: The New Order as they seek to free the United States from the oppression of the Third Reich.

Dustin is our native console gamer, PlayStation and Nintendo reviewer who has an appetite for anything that crosses the boarders from across the big pond. His interest in JRPG’s, Anime, Handheld Gaming, and Pizza is insatiable. His elitist attitude gives him direction, want, and a need for the hardest difficulties in games, which is fun to watch, and hilarity at its finest. You can find him over on Twitter or Facebook.